A thousand Egyptian church leaders pray for victims of NZ shootings

A thousand Evangelical Christian leaders in Egypt this morning united in prayer for the victims and relatives affected in terrorist shootings at two Christchurch, New Zealand mosques earlier today.

In a country that has experienced multiple deadly attacks on worshippers – including bombings of churches in Cairo, Alexandria and Tanta, and shootings at a mosque in the Sinai, Egyptian Christians showed unity with New Zealand, a nation that is reeling from this attack.

Protestant Church President Dr Andrea Zaki leads delegates at One Thousand Evangelical Leaders event in prayer for Christchurch families

Rev Dr Andrea Zaki, President of the Protestant Church in Egypt, gave a message of solidarity with New Zealand’s Muslim community live on SAT-7 during a broadcast from an annual televised conference from Wadi el-Natroun, northern Egypt.

Referring to the killing of 49 people and injuries afflicted on many others, Dr Zaki said, “We are steadfast in our position. We condemn violence against anyone.

“We had similar experiences when our churches were bombed and we felt the pain of the people. Today and from this place, we remember all those who were martyred.

“The killing of anyone who is praying, whether Muslim, Christian, Jewish or of any religion, is unacceptable. We condemn this terrorist attack and declare that we are against violence and killing.

“We support personal safety, personal freedom, the freedom to worship in safety anywhere in the world without pressure.”

All attending the “One Thousand Evangelical Leaders” conference stood as Dr Zaki led prayers for the victims and their families on behalf of his own nation, saying “Prayers for peace will rise from Egypt.”

Leaders stand to pray

Lord, as we stand here today, we confess our human weakness. We confess that sin and evil surround us everywhere. We confess that innocents are being killed and blood spilt.

O King of Peace, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. O King of Peace, whom do we seek when You are the peace giver?

We pray for the families of all those in dire circumstances and all those whose lives were taken and who will meet You.

We pray for those under temptation, their families, relatives and the injured.

Lord, plant Your peace for You are the King of Peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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